There’s something incredibly satisfying about a sauce that hits every note—sweet, savory, garlicky, and just the right amount of heat. This Roasted Garlic Thai Sweet Chili Dipping Sauce is exactly that. A versatile and flavor-packed condiment that will have you spooning it over everything from crispy spring rolls to grilled meats, or even mixing it into stir-fries. It's a richer, deeper version of your standard thai sweet chili sauce, thanks to the mellow, smoky flavor of roasted garlic. If you love bold sauces with layers of flavor, this is one you'll be reaching for again and again.
Whether you’re cooking up a sweet thai chili chicken or looking for a showstopping dip to elevate your appetizer spread, this homemade sweet chilli sauce recipe is going to steal the show.
Roasted Garlic Thai Sweet Chili Dipping Sauce
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 20 minutes mins
Total Time 30 minutes mins
Course Condiment, Dip
Cuisine Thai
Servings 1.5 cups of sauce (enough for multiple meals)
Oven or toaster oven For roasting the garlic. You can also use an air fryer if that’s more convenient.
Small saucepan Essential for simmering and reducing the sauce.
Blender or food processor To blend the garlic and peppers into the base.
Knife and Cutting Board For prepping chili peppers and garlic.
Mesh strainer (optional) If you prefer a smooth sauce without bits.
Jar or airtight container For storing the sauce.
For the sauce
- 10 cloves garlic peeled
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for roasting the garlic
- 1 cup water
- ½ cup rice vinegar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce or soy sauce for vegetarian option
- 1 tablespoon sambal oelek or substitute crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 Thai chili peppers finely chopped (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water for slurry
- 1 tablespoon pineapple juice optional but recommended for a sweet chili pineapple sauce twist
- Pinch of salt
Roast the Garlic
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the peeled garlic cloves on a small baking tray or sheet of foil. Drizzle with olive oil, wrap them up, and roast for 20 minutes until they’re golden and soft. Roasting brings out a mellow sweetness that takes this sweet chili sauce to the next level.
Prepare the Base
While the garlic is roasting, combine water, rice vinegar, and sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar fully dissolves.
Add Flavor Layers
Add the fish sauce (or soy sauce), sambal oelek, chopped Thai chili peppers, pineapple juice (if using), and a pinch of salt. Bring this to a low simmer.
Blend the Garlic
Once roasted, add the garlic to a blender or food processor along with a few tablespoons of the simmering liquid. Blend until smooth, then stir the garlic paste into the saucepan.
Thicken the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Slowly pour this into the sauce while stirring. Keep simmering and stirring for 3–5 minutes until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
Adjust and Finish
Taste the sauce. Want it spicier? Add more chopped chilies or sambal. Sweeter? A touch more sugar. Let it cool and transfer to a clean jar or bottle.
Store in the fridge for up to two weeks—if it lasts that long!
Pairings
This roasted garlic thai sweet chili dipping sauce is endlessly versatile. Here are a few great ways to pair it:
- Grilled meats: Drizzle over grilled shrimp, chicken skewers, or pork belly for a sticky, flavorful glaze.
- Spring rolls and dumplings: A classic pairing—this sauce is made to dip.
- Sweet thai chili chicken: Use it as a finishing glaze or marinade for sweet chili sauce chicken. Add chopped green onions and sesame seeds for a final flourish.
- Noodles and rice bowls: Stir it into fried rice, lo mein, or soba noodles to create an instant flavor boost.
- Roasted vegetables: Toss with roasted cauliflower, broccoli, or even Brussels sprouts to create sweet chili sauce recipe dinners that turn veggie skeptics into fans.
You can also brush this sauce over grilled tofu, use it as a salad dressing base with a bit of oil, or mix it into mayo or sour cream for an ultra-flavorful creamy dip.
FAQs
1. Can I use pre-minced garlic instead of roasting whole cloves?
While you can, roasting whole cloves gives a much richer, deeper flavor. Pre-minced garlic in a jar tends to be sharper and lacks the mellow sweetness that makes this sauce stand out.
2. Is this sauce very spicy?
The heat level is adjustable. Thai chili peppers do pack a punch, but you can reduce or omit them and use milder peppers or just sambal oelek. This is one of those sweet chili sauce recipe easy modifications anyone can make.
3. What kind of chili should I use?
Thai bird's eye chilies are traditional, but you can substitute with Fresno chilies, serranos, or even jalapeños depending on your heat preference. The key is to use fresh chilies for the best flavor in thai chili sauce recipes.
4. How long does this homemade sauce last?
Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, this sauce will stay fresh for up to two weeks. The vinegar and sugar help preserve it naturally.
5. Can I use this as a marinade for meats?
Absolutely. This sauce is fantastic for marinating chicken, pork, shrimp, or even tofu. For sweet thai chili chicken, marinate your protein for at least an hour before grilling, baking, or stir-frying.
